A Push For Web 2.0 In Our Schools

I have posted before about technology in our schools (click here). By current standards for technology integration - we have some opportunities in our district.

I have pushed for a process that would allow YouTube to be used by teachers - either as professional development or for classroom use. The first answer I got was - we didn't have enough bandwidth. Fine. So we have a technology bond with no request for more bandwidth. The second answer was - it has to be approved by a committee in Columbia and they turn us down. Fine again, so I do a little research and find out that with a request for additional bandwidth, there is a survey of the district's actual usage. So - I ask for a copy of this survey. And now the answer is - every principal has the authority to give access to teachers who want to use YouTube. So, then the question is, shouldn't we communicate this and have a process in place to allow for this? Now the answer is, those who want to use YouTube already know the process and most teachers don't want to be able to use YouTube because they are afraid their students will get on their computer and get them in trouble.

This is the actual chain of communication over a 6 month time frame - and - speaks volumes about why moving education in any different direction, either in the classroom or at the administrative level, is so difficult. This country got great by taking chances...and yes...there are risks on the Internet. There are also life threatening risks every time we drive a car - but we still do it.  Before driving a car we practice and take tests. With more use, we get better. The use of the Internet is no different.

But, we are getting better. Every school has a RSS feed from their web site. Some schools are using this for daily communication with parents and students - and also utilizing FaceBook and Twitter. If your school/PTA/SIC is not - ask the Principal why not?

Below, Principal Eric Sheninger talks about his conversion to being a Web 2.0 advocate in the schools.